The New York Jets held another competitive padded training camp practice on Tuesday morning. Veteran nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat continues to be sidelined by an offseason injury. Rookie Darrell Jackson continues to take advantage of increased opportunities.
Jackson was a legitimate standout at Tuesday's practice. The rookie interior lineman continues to flash raw power, according to Connor Rogers, who was in attendance at practice. Rogers notes that the more time Sweat misses, the bigger opportunity Jackson has to play himself into the defensive line rotation.
The Jets are deep at defensive tackle. In addition to Sweat, they have veterans Harrison Phillips and David Onyemata at the position. When healthy, they are expected to be the top three options
in the rotation. With the Jets rotating, Jackson possesses an opportunity to be a fourth and notable player on the line.
Jackson was once viewed as a potential Day Two selection in the NFL draft. After a disappointing final season at Florida State, the Jets selected him at No. 103 overall in the fourth round. It's possible the Jets got themselves a steal in Jackson.
Jackson continues turning heads at training camp. He's taken complete advantage of Sweat's absence at practice. Jackson will be a Jets rookie worth watching closely throughout the preseason.
Recapping my day at #Jets camp
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) August 4, 2026
▫️It’s a show watching the tackle tandem of Olu and Membou throughout practice. Very evident how much work they both put in this offseason to come to camp ready to roll.
▫️Practicing against those two is great for the 2nd overall pick David…
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Surprise Jets rookie may play himself into the rotation on defense
